DETROIT – The Detroit People Mover will be out of commission as it’s revamped.
The areas requiring the most repairs are the curve parts, including the Renaissance Center and Greektown stops. In the end, the hiatus will be worth it.
“I use it pretty much every time I have to go to work and stuff like that because I do work downtown, and it is a nice way to get around,” said Vanessa Meadows.
Those who use the people mover daily, like Meadows and Jia Wright, will have to find another way to get from point A to point B as the rail line pauses for renovations.
“I do use it pretty often, especially when I’m coming straight downtown. Instead of walking from the riverfront here, it’s very reliable,” said Wright.
Although it may be a headache for some, Detroit Transportation Corporation GM Robert Cramer says the renovations will make way for a quieter, smoother ride.
“Curves that we replace will be much smoother, quieter when we’re done with the project, either right at the end, or maybe a little bit after, we’ll be doing another grinding project, which you do every couple of years,” said Cramer. “So when you put all those together, kind of nice, smooth, quiet ride.”
It’s only the third time the rail has been replaced in the People Mover’s 37-year history.
And if anyone knows how scary the ride can sometimes be, It’s Rashad Winters, who takes the people daily.
“It is a little rough,” said Winters. “But you gotta think of how old it is and how long it’s been sitting on these tracks.”
The people mover will be closed from Sept. 3 through Nov. 22. The repairs will ultimately extend the rail’s life another 15-30 years.
“It’s part of really keeping the system for the long term, in a state of good repair,” Cramer said. “This is preventive maintenance. Is there things that were supposed to be doing to keeping the system, safe, reliable, and smooth and comfortable.”
Remember, you can always take advantage of MoGo bike sharing and the Q-Line when the people mover is down.